A MAN from West Moors was verbally abused and punched - causing him to lose consciousness for several seconds.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a reported assault in Wimborne.

Just after 10.20pm on Friday, September 25 Dorset Police say an assault was reported outside Rohan clothing shop in The Square.

It is alleged the victim, a 36-year-old man from West Moors, was approached by a man who verbally abused him and then punched him, causing him to fall to the ground and lose consciousness for several seconds. He was taken to hospital as a precaution, but did not sustain serious injuries.

A 25-year-old man from Verwood was arrested on suspicion of assault and has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

PC Steve Hawke said: “We are carrying out a number of enquiries into this incident and I am appealing to anyone who was in the area and witnessed what happened to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information contact police by calling 101, going to dorset.police.uk, or via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, quoting occurrence number 55200144976. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.